Energy Saving Tips
Use less energy, save money, and help the environment by following South Jersey Gas’s energy efficiency tips.
Make sure your heating system is in good working order. If you are ready to replace it, look for high efficiency natural gas heaters and boilers. Rebates are available from New Jersey's WARMAdvantage Program. Click here.
Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system. The automatically adjusting system allows you to save energy while you are sleeping or away from your home. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or less during the winter.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater. 120 degrees Fahrenheit is an efficient and comfortable temperature setting and should not interfere with the operation of your appliances.
Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes. Washing smaller loads uses the same amount of energy, making it less efficient. Your appliances should have “full load” guidelines for you to refer to.

Use power strips to plug in your appliances. Nearly all your appliances, like computers, televisions and stereos, draw energy even when they are switched off.

Turn the strip off when the appliances are not in use to prevent the standby mode from using unneeded energy and electricity. Unplug your cell-phone chargers when not in use.
Turn off your computer and monitor. Turning your computer on and off will not harm the machine and it saves energy. Or, if you use your computer off and on all day, use the power save mode to be more efficient.
Air-dry your dishes rather than using the dishwasher’s heated drying setting. Air drying does not use any energy—and if you accidentally wash something that is not dishwasher safe, it will not melt in your appliance like it may on the heated drying mode.
Change your light bulbs from incandescent to compact florescent bulbs. Although the initial cost is higher, the florescent bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, saving you in the long term.

Take a shower rather that a bath. Since showers use less water, less energy is used to heat the water.

Buy appliances that are labeled Energy Star—they meet strict guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Set your refrigerator at 40 degrees and your freezer at zero. If your refrigerator has an “efficiency” setting, make sure it is on.
Use an outdoor clothing line to hang your clothes instead of using the dryer. There are plenty of sunny, mild days during Spring and Fall.
In the market for a new washing machine?
Make a smart and energy efficient choice by following these guidelines:
Chose a front loading washing machine. Although they are not as popular as their top-loading counterparts and tend to be slightly more expensive, the higher capacity of the front loading machines means you can do fewer loads and use less energy.
Look for a machine that has an automatic load size sensor. Although most models come with a manual load size switch, many consumers never change it from high. Machines with the sensor automatically assess the amount of water needed for a particular load, saving you in energy and water costs.
Opt for a machine that has the Energy Star label. All Energy Star appliances meet strict guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy—and they use up to 50 percent less energy than traditional appliances.
Review the Energy Guide Label on each machine. This label, created by the U.S. Department of Energy, informs you how much energy the machine uses—and how it rates compared to similar model. It also states the estimated cost to operate the machine per year, allowing you to compare brands and models.
Lower settings on hot water tanks = lower costs and energy usage.

Some manufacturers set the thermostats on their hot water heaters to 140 degree Fahrenheit—but most consumers only need them set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit*. You can save from 3 percent to 5 percent in energy costs for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that you reduce your setting. In addition to cost and energy savings, lowering the setting also reduces the risk of scalding and slows corrosion and mineral building in your heater and pipes, allowing the heating operate longer at its maximum efficiency.

*If your dishwasher doesn’t have a booster heater, it may call for a temperature setting of 130 to 140 degree Fahrenheit to properly clean your dishes.
Kilowatt? Watt’s that?

A watt (W) is a measure of power and is equal to one joule of energy per second. A kilowatt (kW) is equal to 1,000 watts. For example, per Wikipedia:

“A human climbing a flight of stairs is doing work at a rate of about 200 watts. An automobile engine produces mechanical energy at a rate of 25,000 watts (approximately 33.5 horsepower) while cruising. A typical household incandescent light bulb uses electrical energy at a rate of 25 to 100 watts, while energy-saving compact fluorescent lights, which are beginning to replace incandescent bulbs, typically consume 5 to 30 watts.”

A kilowatt-hour (kwh) is equal to 3,600,000 joules; it can also be defined as the amount of energy consumed when 1,000 watts are used for one hour. The kilowatt-hour is used by power and utility companies for billing purposes to determine how much energy is used by a home or business

Energy Efficiency and Dishwashers—
What You Need to Know
The average dishwasher heats water from 135 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit—and uses even more energy to operate and dry the dishes on the heat cycle.
Coupled together, a dishwasher can cost up to $43.36 per year if powered electrically.
An Energy Star appliance costs approximately $37.28 per year if powered electrically.
Using natural gas for your water heating lowers your yearly operating costs significantly.
The most energy efficient dishwasher in the Asko D3531FIXL, which costs $19.03 annually to operated electrically.
Frigidaire, Maytag and General Electric also manufacture cost effective and energy efficient dishwashers.
Follow these simple tips and start saving and conserving while your clothes are in the wash.
Use cold water. Heating the water to wash clothes in warm or hot water accounts for 90 percent of your washing machine’s power usage and consumption.

Separate your loads. Separating your clothes prevents discoloration and fading or bleeding, but it also saves energy. Separating heavier materials from lighter ones helps your clothes dry more efficiently.

Lighter clothes take less time to dry, but when you combine them with heavier materials, the time it takes to dry them increases. Also remember that it costs essentially the same to wash a large load as it does to wash a small load, so combine your loads whenever possible to save money.

Maintain your dryer. Proper maintenance helps your dryer work efficiently. Cleaning your lint filter not only prevents fires, but the dryer runs more effectively when the filter isn’t obstructed. Also check your hose and vent for blockages.

Better yet, dry your clothes outside on a clothesline whenever possible - it's free.

Use your dryer wisely and efficiently. If you use your dryer’s moisture sensor, the machine automatically shuts itself off when it senses the clothes are dry, saving in energy and electrical costs.

Use a drying rack whenever possible—your dryer puts out heat while it works, so set sweaters and other delicate clothes on the rack, near your machine and let the residual, excess heat dry them.

Half way though the cycle, switch your dryer to the cool down setting—there will be enough residual heat to finish drying your clothes, but you’ll use much less energy.

Reduce your refrigerator’s operating and energy costs through these simple tips.

Consider what foods your store in your fridge. Keep your fridge full—there is less empty space to cool—but don’t overfill it as that obstructs air flow and makes the fridge work harder to maintain its temperature.

Keep your food and drinks covered as the moisture from them can cause the compressor to work harder. Don’t store hot food right away—let it cool so it doesn’t raise the temperature and make your fridge work harder

Maintain your fridge properly. Clean the coils behind your fridge regularly and make sure they are dust free to improve air flow. Defrost the freezer regularly and make sure there is no air leakage. Make sure the compressor is running well and not struggling to keep the appliance cool.

Find the right temperature setting. The most efficient temperature for the freezer is 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your refrigerator should be set at 37 to 40 degree Fahrenheit for optimal cooling.

Find the right place for your fridge. Making sure your fridge is placed where it has proper air flow can make your refrigerator run more efficiently. Avoid putting them near windows, stoves or ovens.

Try to find the coolest spot in your kitchen and place the fridge there. If your refrigerator is between cabinets, make sure there is nothing around or behind it that could interfere with its airflow.

For more information,
call 1-866-657-6278 or visit www.njcleanenergy.com

Most Americans are just like you – they use natural gas heat to warm their homes and families. Using energy wisely and taking the time to just check little things will make a big difference in how much you spend on your natural gas bill. Below are a few tips to help you plan how to conserve energy and save money.

Keep the Cold Out
Consumers can take easy, inexpensive steps to reduce household energy consumption and minimize energy loss. Reducing air leaks could cut as much as 10 percent from an average household’s monthly energy bill. For example, consumers can seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather stripping. The most common places where air escapes in homes are:

  
a. floors, walls, ceilings b. ducts
c. fireplaces d. plumbing penetrations
e. doors f. windows
g. fans and vents h. electric outlets

Use Energy Wisely
1. Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter and at 58 degrees when away from the home for more than a few hours. While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.

2. Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.SAVINGS: Cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent per year by turning your thermostat back 10 percent to 15 percent for eight hours per day.

3. Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Furnaces consume less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Use receipt of your natural gas bill as a reminder.

4. Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm air-flow across the floor.

5. Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.

6. Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees. A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water each week. By lowering the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees, families can cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort. SAVINGS: Turning down the unit’s thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save money, since water-heating is a typical family’s third-largest energy expense, accounting for about 14 percent of utility bills.

7. Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.

8. If radiators are located near cold walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

9. Run washing machines and clothes dryers with a full load.

10. On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let the sun’s warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against cold air outside.

Plan for Long-Term Energy-Efficiency Improvements
1. Check to see if attic and basement have the recommended levels of insulation.

2. Check the heating system and replace old, outdated appliances with high-efficiency natural gas models. When buying new appliances, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs.

3. Install storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to prevent drafts and retain heat.

Natural Gas Equipment Rebates
 Natural gas heating equipment remains the most energy-efficient. The State of New Jersey is offering substantial rebates up to $450 for the purchase and installation of natural gas equipment.

To learn more, visit New Jersey Clean Energy by clicking here.

Sources for Further Information
For information on forecasted energy prices, detailed home energy conservation strategies, and energy-efficient home improvement materials, these websites can help you prepare for winter:

www.ase.org: The Alliance to Save Energy has posted some tips on its website to help consumers avoid “$ticker $hock” this winter.

www.aga.org: The American Gas Association website is a valuable resource for understanding the benefits and availability of clean, safe, reliable natural gas.

Bill-Payment Programs
 South Jersey Gas offers a FREE budget plan which can help you better manage your money. Our Equal Payment Plan divides your yearly gas costs into 12 equal monthly payments. You know exactly how much to budget for gas, regardless of the weather, because your payment is the same every month. If you still have trouble making timely payments, please call us to establish payment arrangements.

Special Assistance for Low-Income Households
 Financial assistance may be available to help you pay your bills.

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
Whom does it help?
Elderly, disabled and low-income residents.

How do I qualify?
To qualify for HEAP you must:

  • Be a New Jersey resident
  • Pay heating and/or cooling costs to a fuel supplier
  • Pay a landlord for gas or electric or pay rent including utilities
  • Have a personal income level that doesn’t exceed 175% of the poverty level

What assistance does HEAP offer?
HEAP has four types of payments available:

  • Automatic payments to Food Stamp recipients
  • Emergency energy assistance
  • Special energy assistance to other eligible households applying for assistance
  • Medically necessary cooling assistance

How much money can I receive?
Payments vary depending on your income, household size, fuel type and heating region.

How do I apply?
Contact or visit your local Community Action Program agency. For more information, call
1-800-510-3102. In Cape May, dial 609-522-0231.

LIFELINE
Whom does it help?
Low-income residents.

How do I qualify?
To qualify for Lifeline, you must:

  • Be a New Jersey resident
  • Receive natural gas and/or electricity bills for your principal residence in your name or your spouse’s name
  • Be at least 65 years old OR at least 18 years of age and receive Social Security Disability benefits
  • Meet income eligibility requirements

You’re automatically eligible for Lifeline if enrolled in:

  • Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
  • Medicaid only
  • Medical Assistance to the Aged

How much money can I receive?
You can receive $225 total credit toward a single utility account. If you have both electric and gas, you can receive $112.50 for each account.

How do I apply?
To enroll for Lifeline, call 1-800-792-9745.

NJ SHARES
Whom does it help?
Any resident who needs temporary help paying his/her utility bill.

How do I qualify?
There are NO income requirements for this program.

How much money can I receive?
Grants of up to $250 may be available to those who are eligible.

How do I apply?
Contact any of the following agencies

Atlantic/Cape May Counties:
Atlantic Behavior HealthCare - Hammonton 609-567-2900
Atlantic Human Resources 609-343-7380, ext. 06
Salvation Army - Atlantic City 609-344-0660
Salvation Army - Wildwood 609-522-0231
Burlington County
Burlington County CAP, Inc. 609-835-4329
Camden County
Catholic Charities 856-964-2133
Camden County OEO - Collingswood 856-962-6911
Camden County OEO - W. Berlin 856-767-3320
Cumberland County
Salvation Army - Vineland 856-696-5050
Tri-County Community Action - Bridgeton 856-451-2966
or 856-451-6330
Gloucester County
Volunteers of America 856-853-0350
Tri-County Community Action 856-423-0040
Salem County
Tri-County Community Action 856-935-0944

NJ COMFORT PARTNERS
Whom does it help?
Low-income residents.

How do I qualify?
To qualify, you must:

  • Be a New Jersey resident
  • Have a personal income level that doesn’t exceed 225% of the poverty level

What type of assistance does the program offer?
    This program teaches you about conserving energy and shows you how energy saving products can lower your gas bill.

Do I pay for the program?
    No. All efficiency measures and energy education service are provided free of charge. AND, if you owe money on your gas bill and are on a payment plan, you may qualify to receive some form of account balance reduction.

How do I apply?
For more information, call SJG’s conservation Hotline at 1-800-648-0138.

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